Lessons in Origami: Everything is Possible with God

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Japan’s Origami Airplane Association have announced plans to create paper airplanes capable of traveling from the International Space Station to Earth’s surface without burning up.

The team has already successfully tested small prototypes at Mach 7 (seven times the speed of sound) for 30 seconds at 482* F, and they plan to launch 100 planes later this year from space.

So this summer, if you’re mowing and come upon a paper airplane, don’t mow over it! It could be worth a lot of money and be the ultimate show and tell when your child goes back to school:

Teacher: “Bobby, did you fold that airplane yourself?”
Bobby: “No, this Japanese plane flew 250 miles from the International Space Station and landed in my backyard!”

Instantly, Bobby is popular for life and/or sent to detention for lying.

Because I’m not a big fan of space programs, my first reaction to the announcement was, “This is the most pointless and expensive experiment ever.”

When I learned that the goal is to develop lighter but safer materials for real spacecraft, I realized that I had only known half the story.

That’s the trouble with average people like me. We don’t know what the experts know about aerodynamics and heat-proofing paper and sweet paper airplane designs. And practical people can’t imagine art and science coming together like this until it’s spelled out for us.

Wouldn’t it be great if God held press conferences to spell out His plans for our individual lives?

Sometimes He does illuminate our path miles ahead, but other times we see only the next step. Still, scriptures such as Isaiah 30:21 promise, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

I’m in the midst of a decision about which I’ve been praying for weeks with no clear direction. However, waiting on God can be a “holy wait,” if in our confusion we continue to trust in His character.

It doesn’t take much to challenge our faith, does it?

But if finite man can send a tiny, highly destructible article hurtling through space, why do we doubt God’s ability to do the impossible? Why do we doubt that He has grand plans, even if they are not spelled out for us? Why do we think God can’t use simple gifts and talents (like making paper airplanes and blogging) for bigger purposes?

Although most would never admit it, many of us have trouble believing that relationships can be healed, finances can turn around and loved ones living like desperadoes can come to their senses. After all, doesn’t Dr. Phil constantly tell us that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior?

The reason we can dare to believe for miracles is that Jesus said that while some things are impossible for man, “Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:27).

I’m placing a paper airplane on my desk as a reminder that God is capable of doing more than I can dream, that he will show me which paths to pursue even if he chooses to reveal one step at a time, and that every gift can be used for a bigger purpose when we submit to Him and trust in His character.



*Addendum: At the time of this writing, I had no way of knowing the outcome of my decision and how God would move in a clear and miraculous way. I am happy today to testify once again to God's ability to meet every detail of every need in my life.

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